A connector material, method for manufacturing a connector material and method for manufacturing individual connectors

ABSTRACT

A connector material including a first mechanical connector structure and a second mechanical connector structure, the first and second mechanical connector structures being two corresponding structures, each structure being capable of forming a mechanical interconnection with said other structure, and being incapable of forming a mechanical interconnection with an identical structure, the first and second connector structures being arranged in a selected pattern. Also, a method for manufacturing a connector material, and a method for manufacturing individual connectors from a connector material.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a stack of web material for hygieneproducts, for use in a dispenser, comprising at least one continuous webmaterial being Z-folded about transverse folding lines, therebyproviding panels having a length and a width, said panels being piled ontop of each other to form a height of said stack. The disclosure alsorelates to a connector material and to a method for manufacturing aconnector material.

BACKGROUND

Dispensers with web material, such as paper towels, napkins and similarhygiene products are often used in public lavatories as a convenient wayof providing a supply of towels in washrooms and other facilities.Similar dispensers with web material are provided for supplying hygieneproducts intended for object wiping, e.g. for cleaning.

The web material may be provided as a pile of folded web, arranged in astorage space of the dispenser.

Dispensers for folded web material need frequently to be refilled withnew web material. It is preferred that the refilling of web materialshould not be heavy or difficult for the attendant to perform.Conventionally, refill packages are provided, each refill packagecomprising a stack of web material and a wrapping, which maintains theintegrity of the stack during transport and storage thereof. For refillof the dispenser, the wrapping is removed from the stack, where afterthe stack is Introduced into the storage space of the dispenser. Hence,each package is opened and fed to the dispenser by the attendant.

Accordingly, conventional packages of web material are provided in sizesthat are not too heavy and which easily can be gripped by the attendant,such that the integrity of the stack may be maintained manually whileintroducing the stack into the storage space of the dispenser.

The stacks may be adhered to each other via their respective end panels,so that an end panel of each stack pulls along an end panel of the nextstack, forming a compound stack (i.e. a pile) of folded web material tobe dispensed.

To this end, adhesive tape or glue may be applied to the outer panel(s)of the stacks. Refill of a dispenser with the presently available stacksof web material may hence involve the unwrapping, introduction andsubsequent adhesion of several stacks of web material.

Accordingly, the refill of a dispenser may be rather time-consuming.

Thus, there is a continuing need for an improved product refillprocedure.

SUMMARY

There is provided a stack of web material for hygiene products, for usein a dispenser, comprising at least one continuous web material beingZ-folded about transverse folding lines, thereby providing panels havinga length and a width, the panels being piled on top of each other toform a height of the stack extending between a first end surface and asecond end surface of the stack, the first end surface being providedwith a first connector, and the second end surface being provided with asecond connector.

At least one of the first and second connectors comprises a firstmechanical connector structure and a second mechanical connectorstructure, the first and second mechanical connector structures beingtwo corresponding structures, each structure being capable of forming amechanical interconnection with the other structure, and being incapableof forming a mechanical interconnection with an identical structure,whereby the at least one of the first and second connectors ismechanically connectable to another connector of another stack of webmaterial, the another connector comprising the first and/or secondmechanical connector structure.

By “continuous web material” is meant a material which may becontinuously fed for example when arranged in an appropriate dispenser.The web material may be integral, and intended to be severed intoindividual products upon actuation of a user, e.g. by a cutting blade oredge arranged in an appropriate dispenser. Alternatively, the continuousweb material may be provided with weakening lines, such as perforationlines, along which the web material is to be separated to formindividual products. Such separation can take place automatically insidea dispenser, or be performed manually.

With first and second connector is meant e.g. a portion of materialwhich potentially (if in contact with another connector) may performinterconnection of the stack to another stack.

The connector structures are to be connector structures for mechanicallyinterconnecting the end surfaces of the stacks to other, similar stacks,as is required when the stacks are to be used in a dispenser having astorage space intended for housing several interconnected stacks.

Mechanical connectors have the advantage of providing a secureconnection between themselves, whilst not being prone to unwantedconnection to ether materials, such as to the material web itself.Hence, use of mechanical connectors facilitates the general handling ofthe stacks.

In many dispensers, particularly in dispensers of a relatively largesize, the web material is to be run along a web path and through anumber of devices before being fed to a user. Such devices could includevarious rollers, cutters, perforation cutters, and the like. Mechanicalconnectors may be designed such that they may pass these various deviceswithout hindering the web, and without leaving residues on the devicesthemselves.

Mechanical connectors may often be of a type where the connection isaccomplished by a pair of two different, corresponding interconnectableconnector structures. The first connector structure is hence capable offorming a mechanical interconnection with a second connector structure,but not with another first connector structure (i. e. an identicalstructure). Similarly, the second connector structure is capable offorming a mechanical interconnection with the first connector structure,but not with another second connector structure (i. e. an identicalstructure). A typical example of such connector structures is a hookstructure and a corresponding loop structure.

It is proposed herein that at least one of the first and secondconnectors, arranged on an end surface of the stack, is to comprisefirst and second connector structures.

In accordance with the above, a stack is provided which enablesfacilitated loading into a designated dispenser, since the at least oneconnector comprising both first and second connector structures ismechanically connectable to other connectors comprising a firstconnector structure only, a second connector structure only, or bothfirst and second connector structures.

Accordingly, the versatility of the connection between the stacks isincreased, and a connection between stacks which may be performedindependently of the relative orientation of the connectors (i.e. of thestacks) is enabled.

When a connector of a first stack is to be connected to a connector of asecond stack, there is a plurality of ways in which the connectors maymeet. First, the first connector of the first stack may meet the firstor the second connector of the other stack, and vice versa. Second, eachconnector of the first stack and of the second stack may be rotatedalong a central axis parallel to the height of the stack, resulting in anumber of different relative rotational positions. When the width of thestack is different from the length of the stack, which is often the casewith folded web shaped material, the number of relative rotationalpositions is restricted to those positions where the lengths and widthsof the two stacks coincide. With the orientation of a connector or of anend surface is meant herein all of the above mentioned various positionsin space.

This is in contrast to a stack where e.g. the first connector comprisesthe first connector structure only, and the second connector comprisesthe second connector structure only, in which case each stack must bepositioned with a first connector towards a second connector of anotherstack (or vice versa) to achieve mechanical interconnection. In such acase, the person performing the loading operation must generally beprovided with an instruction how to load the stacks, and the person mustalso correctly follow the instruction in order to achieve theinterconnection. If the connectors are centrally arranged on therespective end surfaces of the stacks, the likelihood of achieving aninterconnection between the two stacks if no attention is made to theorientation of the connectors will be 50%.

However, as will be explained in the below, using connectors comprisinga first and a second connection structure enables the provision ofstacks where the likelihood of achieving an interconnection between twostacks when no attention is made to the orientation of the connectors isgreater than 50%, in some cases up to 100%.

To provide an interconnection, it is generally not required that theentire surface area formed by the first connector structure and/or thesecond connector structure of a connector is interconnected to a secondand/or first connector structure of another connector. With mechanicalconnectors, sufficient connection strength may be achieved already withrelatively small interconnected areas of connector structures. Hence, toprovide an interconnection, it may be sufficient that the connectors aredesigned so as to enable interconnection between a portion of the firstconnector structure and a portion of a corresponding second structure,or vice versa.

The versatility of the connection between the stacks, and the likelihoodof an interconnection resulting when no attention is made to theorientation of the stacks, may be improved by providing only one out ofthe first and the second connectors of the stack with both the first andthe second mechanical connector structure.

However, each one of the first and second connectors may comprise thefirst mechanical connector structure and the second mechanical connectorstructure. This may further increase the versatility of the connectionbetween stacks, and enable more variants with high likelihood ofinterconnection.

In certain variants, the first and second connectors may be different.

In certain variants, the first and second connectors may be similar.

The first and the second connector structures may be randomly arrangedon the at least one connector. In this case, the first and secondconnector structures may be provided by a connector material on whichfirst and second connector structures are formed in a randomarrangement. For example, such a connector material could be a compoundmaterial designed to interconnect with an identical compound material,comprising randomly arranged first and second connector structures, e.g.randomly arranged hooks and loops protruding from a common backingmaterial. Alternatively, the first and second connector structures perse could be arranged in an organised manner on a common backingmaterial, but on a scale which will still result in a random arrangementas seen over the at least one connector.

Alternatively, at least one out of the first and second connectorstructures may be arranged to form a pattern over the corresponding endsurface of the stack. With “a pattern” is meant herein an organisedarrangement, of at least one area comprising the first connectorstructure, and at least one area comprising the second connectorstructure, in contrast to the random arrangement as described in theabove.

Such a pattern may be formed by various types of connector materials aswill be described in the below. The pattern may be selected in variousmanners to provide sufficient likelihood of interconnection between theconnectors.

If preferred, such a pattern may be adapted such that the at least oneend surface is mechanically connectable to an identical end surface,(i.e. provided with an identical pattern) of another stack of webmaterial. If both end surfaces are provided with identical patterns ofthis type, a plurality of identical stacks may be provided, wherein eachfirst and second end surface of a stack is connectable to each first andsecond end surface of the other stacks.

With “identical” is meant herein something which is sufficientlyidentical considering the intended purpose of the features.Manufacturing tolerances or slight variations which do not affect thefunction of the feature is to be comprised in the term “identical”.

Alternatively, such a pattern may be adapted such that the at least oneend surface is mechanically connectable to an a different end surface,(e.g. provided with a different pattern) of another stack of webmaterial.

That the end surfaces are mechanically connectable means that they maybe connected, at least if a first or second end surface is provided witha specific orientation relative to the first or second end surface ofanother stack.

The first and second end surfaces may define a longitudinal central axis(X), extending in parallel to the length (L), and centrally in relationto the width (W) of the stack, and for the at least one, preferablyboth, of the first and the second connector, the pattern formed by thefirst and the second connector structures may be asymmetrical withrespect to the longitudinal central axis (X).

Patterns which are asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal centralaxis, may be designed so as to provide interconnections independently ofthe relative orientation of the end surfaces.

The first and second end surfaces may each define a transversal centralaxis (Y), extending in parallel to the width (W), and centrally inrelation to the length (L) of the stack, and for the at least one,preferably both, of first and the second connector, the pattern formedby the first and the second connector structures is asymmetrical withrespect to the transversal central axis (Y).

Patterns which are asymmetrical with respect to the transversal centralaxis, may be designed so as provide interconnections independently ofthe relative orientation of the end surfaces. For example theinterconnection may be made independently of which two, out of the totalfour, end surfaces of the two stacks that are to be interconnected,hence rendering the interconnection less dependent on the orientation ofthe stacks.

The pattern formed by the first and the second connector structures maybe such that at least a portion of the first structure on one side ofthe longitudinal central axis (X), mirrors a portion of the secondstructure on the other side of the longitudinal central axis (X),preferably all portions of the first structure on one side of thelongitudinal central axis mirrors a portion of the second structure onthe other side of the longitudinal central axis.

With connectors comprising mirroring first and second structures overthe longitudinal central axis may, interconnectivity between two similarconnectors, regardless of their relative orientation may be achieved.

The pattern formed by the first and the second connector structures maybe such that at least a portion of the first structure on one side ofthe transverse central axis (Y), mirrors a portion of the secondstructure on the other side of the transverse central axis (Y),preferably all portions of the first structure on one side of thetransversal central axis (Y) mirrors a portion of the second structureon the other side of the transversal central axis (Y).

With connectors comprising mirroring first and second structures as seenover the transversal central axis, two similar connectors may beinterconnected regardless of their orientation in relation to thetransverse central axis.

In particular, at least one portion of the first structure, located onone side of the longitudinal central axis (X) and on one side of thetransversal central axis (Y); may mirror a portion of the secondstructure on the other side of the longitudinal central axis (X) and aportion of the second structure on the other side of the transversalcentral axis (Y).

A connector where at least one portion of the first structure mirrors aportion of the second structure over the longitudinal central axis (X),and a portion of the second structure over the transversal axis (Y), maybe connected to another, identical connector, regardless of the relativeorientation of the connectors. Hence, a stack comprising such first andsecond connectors may be interconnected to another, identical stack,without concern to the relative orientation of the two ends of thestacks.

It may be that only one out of the first and the second connectorstructures is located on one side of the longitudinal central axis (X).This will be sufficient e.g. for forming e.g. a mirroring pattern asdescribed in the above.

As mentioned in the above, the first and the second connectors may beidentical. In this case, a plurality of identical stacks may beprovided, the stacks being interconnectable in a controlled manner.

Each one of the first and second connectors may be positioned in thesame manner at the first and second end surfaces of the stack.

Each one of the first and second connectors may be centrally arranged inview of at least one, preferably both of the length (L) and width (W) ofthe respective end surface.

Where the first and second connectors are centrally arranged in view ofone or both of the length and width (i.e. centrally arranged in view ofthe longitudinal axis and the transversal axis), it may be ensured thatthe connectors will meet when the two end surfaces of two stacks arebrought together. In this case, any asymmetry in the pattern of theconnector structures in view of the axis will be accomplished by thepattern being asymmetrically arranged on the connector. This may bepreferred from a manufacturing point of view.

Alternatively, the first and/or second connector may be asymmetricallyarranged in view of one or both of the length and width axis. In thiscase, any asymmetry in the pattern of the connector structures in viewof the axis may be at least partially accomplished by the asymmetricalarrangement of the connector.

One of the first and the second connector structures may comprise hooks,and the other of the first and the second connector structures maycomprise loops. Hook and loop materials providing sufficient strengthand suppleness for the application intended herein are commerciallyavailable, e.g. under the trademark Velcro®.

The first connector and the second connector may each have a height ofless than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, most preferred less than 0.6mm. Low heights of the connectors may facilitate passage of theinterconnected connectors of a continuous web through a designateddispenser.

In the first and/or the second connector, the first connector structuremay be provided by a first connector material, and the other connectorstructure may be provided by a second connector material.

For example, the first connector structure may be a loop material, andthe second connector structure may be a hook material.

The connectors may be directly or indirectly attached to the endsurfaces of the stack. For example, the connectors may be adhesivelyattached to the end surfaces of the stack. In this case, the connectormaterial may be glued to the stack during production thereof, or theconnector material may be provided as a sticker material being attachedto the stack.

In the first and/or the second connector, the first connector materialmay be attached to the second connector material, and the secondconnector material may be attached to the respective end surface of thestack. In this case, the first connector material will be indirectlyattached to the stack. The second connector material may be directly orindirectly attached to the stack.

The first and/or second connector may comprise a carrier material, ontowhich the first and/or second connector material is attached, thecarrier material being attached to the respective end surface of thestack. In this case, both connector materials will be indirectlyattached to the stack via the carrier. The carrier material may bedirectly or indirectly attached to the stack.

In the first and/or second connector, the first connector structure andthe second connector structure may be provided by a single continuousconnector material.

Such a continuous connector material will hence be provided with bothfirst and second connector structures. The continuous connector materialcould be a material where the first and second structures are randomlyarranged, as mentioned in the above. The continuous connector materialcould also be a material where the first and second structures arearranged in a selected pattern.

The first connector material, the second connector material, the carriermaterial, or the single continuous connector material, respectively, maybe band-shaped. Such a band-shaped material may be arranged over thefull length (L) of the stack. Provision of the connector materials asband-shaped materials may be advantageous in view of manufacturing. Suchband-shaped materials could in some alternatives be arranged over thefull length of the stack.

The continuous web material may be provided with weakening lines,preferably perforation lines, dividing the web material into individualsheets.

It has been realised, that with mechanical connectors, relatively smallareas of interconnected connector structures are needed to providesufficient connection strength. The shear force between the firstconnector and the second connector, when interconnected, reflects thestrength of the interconnection, when the web of the interconnectedstacks is pulled such as when the interconnected web is drawn through adesignated dispenser. To ensure the proper feeding of the interconnectedweb, the shear force may be greater than the force required to pull aproduct of the web from the dispenser.

Moreover, if the web is provided with weakening lines, dividing the webinto individual sheets, it is advantageous if the interconnectionbetween the connectors is stronger than the force required to rupturethe web along the weakening lines. Accordingly, it is ensured that theweb breaks at the weakening lines rather than at the interconnectionbetween the connectors.

The stack may comprise a first continuous web material divided intoindividual sheets by means of weakening lines, and a second web materialdivided into individual sheets by means of weakening lines, the firstand second webs being interfolded with one another so as to form thestack, and the first and the second webs may be arranged such that theweakening lines of the first web and the weakening lines of the secondweb are offset with respect to each other along the webs.

The attachment of the connector to the stack may simultaneouslyaccomplish interconnection of the first and second webs at theconnector.

Moreover, there is provided a package comprising a stack in accordancewith the above, and a wrapper extending at least over the heightdirection (H), so as to maintain the integrity of the stack duringtransport and storage thereof.

The wrapper may be configured to be completely removable from the stack.Hence, the connectors should be displayed when the wrapper is removedfrom the stack.

Moreover, there is provided a master package comprising a plurality ofstacks in accordance with the above, preferably comprising more than 3,most preferred comprising more than 5 stacks.

In such a master package, the first and second connectors of saidplurality of stacks may be adapted such that the average likelihood oftwo stacks, when randomly selected from said plurality of stacks andrandomly oriented with a connector from one stack meeting a connector ofanother stack, becoming interconnected, is greater than 75%, preferablygreater than 90%, most preferred substantially 100%.

With “average likelihood” is meant the likelihood achieved whenconsidering all of the packages of said master package.

At least some of the first and second connectors of said stackscomprised in the package may be different.

In certain variants, preferably all of said first and second connectersare different. In this case, the first and second connection structuresmay be arranged to form patterns displaying random variations over theconnectors.

Alternatively, the first and second connection structures may bearranged to form patterns displaying ordered variations over theconnectors.

At least some of the first and second connectors of said stackscomprised in the package may be identical.

In certain variants, all of the first and second connectors of theplurality of stacks may be identical.

Also, there is provided a compound stack comprising a plurality ofstacks in accordance with the above, the stacks being interconnected viatheir respective first and second connectors.

Also, there is provided the use of a stack in accordance with the abovein a dispenser including a housing having a storage space for the stack.

Also, there is provided a dispenser comprising a housing having astorage space including a stack in accordance with the above, preferablythe storage space being arranged in the dispenser such that web materialis fed from an upper end surface of the stack, as seen in a verticaldirection.

Also, there is provided a dispenser as described in the above,comprising a compound stack as described in the above.

Also, there is provided a method for loading stacks in a dispenserincluding a housing having a storage space for storing at least twostacks, the storage space comprising at least a portion of an initialstack, comprising: providing a stack in accordance with the above,positioning the stack at least partly inside the storage space, andinterconnecting the stack with the initial stack, via the first orsecond connector.

In view of the above, there is also a need for a connector material forforming individual connectors.

Accordingly, there is provided a connector material comprising a firstmechanical connector structure and a second mechanical connectorstructure, the first and second mechanical connector structures beingtwo corresponding structures, each structure being capable of forming amechanical interconnection with the other structure, and being incapableof forming a mechanical interconnection with an identical structure, thefirst and second connector structures being arranged in a selectedpattern.

It will be understood that the first and second mechanical connectorstructures are arranged on a first side of the connector material.

One of the first and second connector structures may comprise hooks, andthe other of the first and the second connector structures may compriseloops.

The first connector structure may be provided by a first connectormaterial and the second connector structure may be provided by a secondconnector material.

The second connector material may be attached to the first connectormaterial, preferably onto the first connector material.

The connector material may comprise a first connector material ontowhich intermittent pieces of second connector material are attached.

The connector material may comprise a first connector material ontowhich is attached a second connector material in which through holes areformed, such that the first connector structures of the first connectormaterial is accessible via the through holes in the second connectormaterial.

The connector material in may comprise a carrier material, onto whichthe first and/or second connector material is attached.

The connector material may be a single connector material comprising abacking from which the connector structures extend.

The connector material may be band-shaped.

The connector material may be continuous.

The connector material may display a repeated pattern for formingindividual connectors.

The connector material may display a repeated pattern for formingindividual connectors each having a length and a width, preferably thelength being a length with which the pattern repetition is evenlydivisible.

The connector material may have a length, and a longitudinal centralaxis (x) may be defined along the length, wherein the pattern formed bythe first and the second connector structures is such that at least aportion of the first structure on one side of the longitudinal centralaxis, mirrors a portion of the second structure on the other side of thelongitudinal central axis, preferably all portions of the firststructure on one side of the longitudinal central axis mirrors a portionof the second structure on the other side of the longitudinal centralaxis.

A transversal central axis (y) may defined along the width of eachindividual connector, wherein, for each individual connector, thepattern formed by the first and second connector structures is such thatat least a portion of the first structure on one side of the transversecentral axis (Y), mirrors a portion of the second structure on the otherside of the transverse central axis (Y), preferably all portions of thefirst structure on one side of the transversal central axis (Y) mirrorsa portion of the second structure on the other side of the transversalcentral axis (Y).

At least one portion of the first structure, located on one side of thelongitudinal central axis (X) and on one side of the transversal centralaxis (Y); may mirror a portion of the second structure on the other sideof the longitudinal central axis (X) and another portion of the secondstructure on the other side of the transversal central axis (Y).

Only one out of the first and second connector structures may be locatedon one side of the longitudinal central axis (X).

The connector material may be in the form of an adhesive sticker.

Also, there is provided a method for manufacturing a connector material,comprising attaching a second connector material onto a first connectormaterial.

The method may comprise attaching intermittent pieces of the secondconnector material to the first connector material.

The method may comprise attaching a piece of second connector materialin which through holes are formed onto the first connector material.

The connector material may be a continuous connector material, and themethod may comprise attaching a second connector material onto a firstcontinuous connector material.

Also, there is provided a method for manufacturing individual connectorsfrom a connector material, comprising cutting the connector material toform the individual connectors.

The cutting may be performed so as to form individual connectors havinga length by which a pattern repetition of the pattern is evenlydivisible.

The cutting may be performed so as to form individual connectors havinga length by which a pattern repetition of the pattern is not evenlydivisible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will now be further described using exemplaryembodiments as depleted in the enclosed drawings wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of a stack of web materialcomprising first and second connectors;

FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate various embodiments of first and/or secondconnectors;

FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate various embodiments of first and/or secondconnectors;

FIGS. 5a to 5d illustrate various embodiments of first and/or secondconnectors;

FIGS. 6a to 6c illustrate various embodiments of first and/or secondconnectors;

FIGS. 7a to 7c illustrate various embodiments of end surfaces comprisingconnectors;

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a package including a wrapper andthe stack of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a dispenser.

Like reference numbers denote like features in FIGS. 1-8. In FIG. 9however, other reference numbers are used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of a stack 1 of web material forhygiene products, for use in a dispenser. The stack 1 comprises at leastone continuous web material 2, 3 being Z-folded about transverse foldinglines, thereby providing panels having a length L along said foldinglines, and a width W perpendicular to said folding lines. The panels arepiled on top of each other to form a stack, having a height H.

Accordingly, said stack outlines a rectangular parallelepiped havingsaid length L, width W and height H. The parallelepiped will have sixouter surfaces:

-   -   a top surface 5 and a bottom surface 6, both being parallel to        the panels of said stack 1.    -   two side surfaces 7, 8, which are generally formed by the        longitudinal edges of the Z-folded web material.    -   a front surface 9 and a back surface 10, which are generally        formed by the folded edges of the Z-folded web material.

As explained in the above, with “continuous web material” is meant amaterial which may be continuously fed for example when arranged in anappropriate dispenser. Preferred web materials are in particular suchthat are suitable for forming absorbent tissues for personal use, e.g.,for wiping the hands of a user after wash, for napkins, or for objectwiping purposes.

The term “web material” is herein to be understood to include tissuepaper materials, nonwoven materials, and materials being a mixture oftissue paper and nonwoven materials.

The term “tissue paper” is herein to be understood as a soft absorbentpaper having a basis weight below 65 g/m2, and typically between 10 and50 g/m2. Its density is typically below 0.60 g/cm3, preferably below0.30 g/cm3 and more preferably between 0.08 and 0.20 g/cm3. The tissuepaper may be creped or non-creped. The creping may take place in wet ordry condition. The tissue paper may be made by TAD or atmos-methods. Thefibres contained in the tissue paper are mainly pulp fibres fromchemical pulp, mechanical pulp, thermo mechanical pulp, chemo mechanicalpulp and/or chemo thermo mechanical pulp (CTMP). The tissue paper mayalso contain other types of fibres enhancing e.g. strength, absorptionor softness of the paper. These fibres may be made from regeneratedcellulose or synthetic material such as polyolefins, polyesters,polyamides etc.

The term “nonwoven” is applied to a wide range of products which in termof their properties are located between the groups of paper andcardboard on the one hand and textiles on the other hand. As regardsnonwovens a large number of extremely varied production processes areused, such as airlaid, wetlaid, spunlaced, spunbond, meltblowntechniques etc. The fibres may be in the form of endless fibres orfibres prefabricated with an endless length, as synthetic fibresproduced in situ or in the form of staple fibres. Alternatively, theymay be made from natural fibres or from blends of synthetic fibres andnatural fibres.

The web material may be recycled flexible material, newly-producedmaterial or a combination thereof. Similar stacks as the one describedin FIG. 1 may be provided comprising one single continuous web material,or several interfolded continuous web materials.

When the web material is continuous, the continuous web material may beintegral, such that it may be torn or cut into individual products atselected locations, e.g. in a dispenser. Alternatively, the web materialmay comprise weakening lines, along which the web is intended to besevered for formation of individual products.

In FIG. 2 an embodiment is illustrated, where the stack comprises twowebs 2, 3 of material, which are interfolded. In this embodiment, thefirst and the second web materials 2, 3, are each divided intoindividual sheets by lines of weakness 12. Moreover, the first and thesecond webs 2, 3 are arranged such that the lines of weakness of thefirst web and the lines of weakness of the second web are offset withrespect to each other along the webs.

A stack 1 in accordance with this embodiment has the advantage that thewebs 2, 3 may be automatically fed in a dispenser, requiring only theforce from a user pulling one of the webs 2 to accomplish automaticfeeding of the other web 3.

Advantageously the weakening lines may be perforation lines. Thegeometry of the perforations may be selected to provide suitablestrength in accordance with the web material and the dispenser to beused.

The perforation lines may be formed by alternating bonds and slots. Ithas been found that a remaining bonded length, being the total bondlength/(total bond length+total slot length) is between 4% and 50%,preferably between 4% and 25%, most preferred between 4% and 15%, issuitable for many relevant applications. The total bond 5 length/(totalbond length+total slot length) may be used as an indication of thestrength of the perforation line. It is desired to form perforationlines which are strong enough to enable feeding of the web material fromthe stack in a suitable dispenser, but which are also weak enough toenable separation of the sheets. In this context, it is known that otherparameters will also influence the strength of the perforation line,such as the web quality, and the size, shape and distribution of theslots and tabs. The above-mentioned measure may therefore be useful forguiding the person skilled in the art when selecting suitableperforation lines.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the weakening lines 12 of eachone of the webs 2, 3, always appear at the same distance from the foldededges 4 of the stack 1. Accordingly, the distance between twoconsecutive weakening lines 12 is evenly divisible with the distancebetween two consecutive folding lines 4 (=the width W of the stack 1).In other words: (the distance between two consecutive weakening lines12)/(the distance between two consecutive folding lines 4)=an integergreater than zero.

Alternatively, the distance between two consecutive weakening lines 12could be selected so as not to be evenly divisible with the distancebetween two consecutive folding lines 4. In this case, the weakeninglines 12 will appear at various distances from the folding lines 4, asseen from the side surfaces 7, 8 of the stack 1. This might bepreferred, since such a stack 1 may avoid experiencing problems due toirregularities in the panels originating from the presence of theweakening lines 12, and being multiplied over the height of the stack.In particular, such problems may become pronounced for stacks 1 havingrelatively great heights and/or including a relatively large number ofpanels. By securing that the weakening lines 12 will become distributedover the width of the stack 1, any irregularities are also distributed,and the stability of the stack 1 may be improved.

Moreover, the distance between consecutive weakening lines 12 beingother than evenly divisible with the width W of the stack 1 enables thelength of the products to be selected freely, without limitationsinvolving considerations of the width W of the stack. The width W of thestack 1, as well as the length L must usually be selected in accordancewith the size of a storage space in a housing of a dispenser from whichthe web material 2,3 is to dispensed.

In this context, it has also been found to be advantageous if theweakening lines 12 are distributed along the web such that essentiallyno weakening line 12 will coincide with a folding line 4 in the stack.This is because a weakening line, in particular a perforation line,being simultaneously a folding line might give rise to a crease in theweb material which is not smoothed out as much as other folding lineswhen the web is unfolded to be fed through a dispenser. Hence, such acrease could give rise to unwanted irregularities when feeding the webmaterial. In particular when two or more webs are used, such a crease inone web might result in that web becoming asynchronised with the otherweb (s).

The above descriptions regarding the weakening, lines are equallyapplicable to stacks 1 including one single, two, or more continuousmaterial webs.

Moreover, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the first web material 2 and thesecond web material 3 are joined to each other at a plurality of joints13 along said webs 2,3. Preferably, said joints 13 are regularlydistributed along the webs 2,3. Joints 13 between 20 the first and thesecond web 2,3 serve the purpose of hindering the webs from becomingasynchronous during feeding of the webs in a dispenser.

This may be of particular importance when stacks are used includingrelatively long web lengths, that is for stacks having a relativelygreat height and/or including a relatively large number of panels. Wherelong web lengths run uninterrupted, there might be an increased riskthat the two webs 2, 3 in a stack 1 become asynchronised during feedingthereof from the stack. This is particularly the case when the web isfed from the top of the stack, as seen when the stack is arranged in thedispenser. With appropriately distributed joints between the two webs,any such risks may be avoided or diminished.

The joints 13 could connect the material surfaces, i.e. the panelsurfaces, of the webs 2,3 to each other, or they could connect thelongitudinal edges of the webs to each other. The joints 13 could bedistributed in different numbers, sizes and patterns. Preferably, thejoints 13 could be in the form of adhesive.

A stack may advantageously comprise at least 160, preferably at least200, most preferred at least 250 individual products.

A stack may be intended to completely fill a storage space of adesignated dispenser. However, for larger dispensers, the stack may beintended for connection to other stacks to form a compound stack fillingthe storage space of a larger dispenser.

To this end, the stack 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a firstconnector 11 a arranged on the top surface 5 of the stack, and a secondconnector 11 b arranged on the bottom surface 6 of the stack.

The connectors 11 a and 11 b are mechanical connectors. Mechanicalconnectors have the advantage of providing a secure connection betweenthemselves, whilst not being prone to unwanted connection to othermaterials, such as to the material web itself. Hence, use of mechanicalconnectors facilitates the general handling of the stacks.

The connectors are to be connectors for mechanically interconnecting theend surfaces of the stacks to other, similar stacks, as is required whenthe stacks are to be used in a dispenser having a large storage spacehousing several stacks.

Preferred mechanical connectors may be openable and reclosable, whichprovides the possibility of correcting the position of the stack, if anattendant has unintentionally performed an unsuitable firstinterconnection between two stacks.

In many dispensers, particularly of the larger kind, the web material isto be run along a web path and through a number of devices before beingfed to a user. Such devices could include various rollers, cutters,perforation cutters, and the like. Mechanical connectors may be designedsuch that they may pass these various devices without hindering the web,and without leaving residues on the devices themselves.

For example, the first and second connectors may be of the hook and looptype.

In the stack of FIG. 1, the first and second connectors 11 a and 11 beach comprises a first mechanical connector structure 51 and a secondmechanical connector structure 52. The first and second mechanicalconnector structures 51, 52 are two corresponding structures, eachstructure being capable of forming a mechanical interconnection with theother structure, and being incapable of forming a mechanicalinterconnection with an identical structure. For example, the firstconnection structure may be a hook connector structure, and the secondconnection structure may be a loop connector structure.

Accordingly, the first and second connectors 11 a, 11 b are mechanicallyconnectable to another connector of another stack of web material,provided said another connector comprises at least one of the firstand/or second mechanical connector structure, and provided the locationof the corresponding connector structures on the respective endsurfaces, and the relative orientation thereof, are such that thecorresponding connector structures may meet to form an interconnection.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, it is envisaged that the first and secondconnectors 11 a, 11 b both comprise the first mechanical connectorstructure 51 and the second mechanical connector structure 52.

However, other embodiments are conceivable, wherein only one out of thetwo connectors 11 a, 11 b comprises the first and the second connectorstructure 51, 52, and the other connector 11 a, 11 b comprises only oneout of of the first and the second connector structures 51, 52.

In certain variants, the first and second connector structures 51, 52may arranged to form a pattern over said end surfaces 5, 6. Theembodiments described in FIGS. 3a -3 b, 4 a-4 b, 5 a-5 c are allembodiments where the first and second connector structures 51, 52 arearranged so as to form organised patterns.

In certain variants, the pattern may be adapted such that each one ofthe first and second end surfaces 5, 6 is mechanically connectable toeach one of the first and the second end surfaces 5, 6 of another,identical stack 1. At least the variants described in FIGS. 3a-3b and4a-4b are adapted, to such use. If will be noted, that for beingmechanically connectable to each one out of the first and second endsurfaces of another, identical stack, there may still be requirements asto the orientation of the end surfaces, in order to achieve such aconnection.

In certain variants, the pattern may be adapted such that each one ofthe first and second end surfaces 5, 6 is mechanically connectable toeach one of the first and second end surfaces of another, identicalstack 1, regardless of how the respective end surfaces are oriented inrelation to each other. In other words, the connecting system isfool-proof in that all conceivable combinations when trying to set twoidentical stacks together, will be successful. FIGS. 3a-3b illustrate asuch a variant of connectors.

In FIGS. 3a -3 b, FIGS. 4a -4 b, and FIGS. 5a -5 b, various connectorsare illustrated with reference to a longitudinal axis X and atransversal axis Y. It is to be noted, that although the figuresillustrate the connector only, the axes are indeed defined by the firstand second end surfaces 5,6 of the respective stacks.

Hence, the first and second end surfaces 5,6 each define a longitudinalcentral axis X extending in parallel to the length L of the stack, andcentrally in relation to the width W of the stack. Similarly, the firstand second end surfaces 5,6 each define a longitudinal transverse axis Yextending in parallel to the width W of the stack, and centrally inrelation to the length L of the stack.

FIG. 3a illustrates a variant of a connector 11 a where the patternformed by the first and the second connector structures 51, 52 isasymmetrical with respect to said longitudinal central axis X, and withrespect to the transversal central axis Y.

Moreover, the pattern formed by the first and second connectorstructures 51, 52 is such that each portion of the first structure 51 onone side of the longitudinal central axis X, mirrors a portion of thesecond structure 52 on the other side of the longitudinal central axisX. Similarly, each portion of the first structure 51 on one side of thelongitudinal transversal axis Y, mirrors a portion of the secondstructure 52 on the other side of the transversal central axis Y.

This results in a “chess-board” patterned connector 11 a as illustratedin FIG. 3 a.

The arrangement with the mirroring first and second connector structures51, 52 results in a connector which, when applied on both the first andthe second end surface 5,6 of a number of stacks, results in afool-proof interconnection of said stacks. No matter in whichorientation the connectors are situated when they meet each other, eachportion of the first structure 51 will always meet a portion of thesecond structure 52, resulting in an interconnection between saidportions. Hence, the likelihood of an interconnection being created, iftwo such stacks are randomly put together, is 100%.

FIG. 3b illustrates another variant of a connector 11 a, where thepattern formed by the first and the second connector structures 51, 52is asymmetrical with respect to said longitudinal central axis X, andwith respect to the transversal central axis Y. In this case, on oneside of the longitudinal central axis X only the second connectorstructures 52 appears. On the other side of the longitudinal centralaxis X, there is a pattern comprising portions of the first connectorstructure 51, and of the second connector structure 52, arranged in analternating manner and mirroring each other as seen over the transversalaxis Y.

In the illustrated arrangement, each portion of the first structure 51on one side of the longitudinal central axis X, mirrors a portion of thesecond structure 52 on the other side of the longitudinal central axisX. Similarly, each portion of the first structure 51 on one side of thelongitudinal transversal axis Y, mirrors a portion of the secondstructure 52 on the other side of the transversal central axis Y.Accordingly, also the connector illustrated in FIG. 3b results in afool-proof interconnection between stacks provided with such connectorson both of their end surfaces 5,6. Mo matter in which orientation theconnectors are when they meet each other, some portion of the firststructure 51 will always meet a portion of the second structure 52, andresult in an interconnection. Hence, the likelihood of aninterconnection being created, if two such stacks are randomly puttogether, is 100%.

in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 b, all portions of the firststructure 51 will not meet a portion of the second structure 52 in allpossible relative orientations of the stacks. This however not requiredfor ensuring connection between the connectors. Accordingly, thearrangement illustrated in FIG. 3b might be perceived as a simplifiedvariant of the arrangement of FIG 3 a.

Indeed, in order to provide at least one portion of the first structure51, located on one side of the longitudinal central axis X and on oneside of the transversal central axis Y; mirroring a portion of thesecond structure 52 on the other side of the longitudinal central axis Xand another portion of the second structure 52 on the other side of thetransversal central axis Y, so as to render the connection between twosuch connectors fool-proof, it would be sufficient to provide aconnector similar to the one illustrated in FIG. 3 b, but comprisingonly one single portion of the first structure 51.

FIG. 4a illustrates an example of a connector where a first connectorstructure 51 and a second connector structure 52 are asymmetricallyarranged with respect to the longitudinal axes X, but symmetricallyarranged with respect to the transversal axes Y.

Although such arrangements will generally provide less versatilitycoming to the interconnection between the connectors, they maynevertheless be preferred, in particular for their ease ofmanufacturing.

The embodiment of a connector in FIG. 4a comprises a portion of thefirst connector structure 51, which extends on one side of thelongitudinal axis X, and slightly over said axis X. A portion of thesecond connector structure 152 is hence arranged at a distance from thelongitudinal axis X, and extending further away from the longitudinalaxis X. The portions of the first and the second connector structure 51,52 both extend in a band-shaped manner along the longitudinal axis X.

A connector as illustrated in FIG. 4a may be connected to an identicalconnector, if the two identical connectors are positioned in relation toeach other such that the first connector structure 51 meets the secondconnector structure 52. Hence, stacks comprising identical suchconnectors on both end surfaces 5,6 would, if randomly oriented, displaya likelihood of becoming interconnected of 50% (which is not greaterthan a stacks with hooks on one end surface, and loops on the other endsurface.

However, the embodiment of a connector in FIG. 4a may be used togetherwith another connector, e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 4 b, to facilitateinterconnections of the stacks. The connector as illustrated in FIG. 4bcomprises two portions of the first connector structure 51, extendingalong the longitudinal axis X. A portion of the second connectorstructure 52 is arranged in between the two portions of the firstconnector structure 51.

The second connector structure 52 of the connector of FIG. 4b isarranged in a staggered relationship to the second connector structure52 of the connector in FIG. 4 a. Accordingly, a connector in accordancewith FIG. 4b will be connectable to a connector in accordance with FIG.4 a, regardless of how the connectors are oriented in relation to eachother.

Accordingly, a number of stacks may be provided with a first connector11 a on a first end surface 5, which is in accordance with FIG. 4 a, andwith a second connector 11 b on a second end surface 6, which isaccordance with FIG. 4 b. In this case, the likelihood of achieving aninterconnection between two end surfaces 5,6 of two such stacks, when noconcern is taken to the relative orientation of the stacks, will be 75%.

As understood by the examples of FIGS. 3a -3 b, and FIGS. 4a -4 b, aplurality of stacks intended for interconnection with each other viafirst and second connectors provided on each stack may be manufacturedsuch that the first and second connectors of all manufactured stacks areidentical. In this case, the first and second connector of each stackmay also be identical, or the first and second connector of each stackmay be different. Hence, regardless of which two stacks out of theplurality of identical stacks that are to be interconnected, the samenumber of connection possibilities will appear.

Hence, there may be provided a master package comprising a plurality ofstacks, each stack comprising a first and a second connector, where thestacks are identical.

Another option is to manufacture a plurality of stacks having first andsecond connectors, where the appearance of the first and/or secondconnector may differ between the stacks. For example, the firstconnector of the first stack may display a first pattern, the firstconnector of the second stack may display a second pattern, the firstconnector of the third stack may display a third pattern, etc. In thiscase, the connection possibilities between two selected stacks might bedifferent than the connection possibilities between two other selectedstacks. Nevertheless, by selecting suitable patterns, and suitablevariations between patterns, it may be ensured that a sufficient numberof connection possibilities and a sufficient connection likelihood isobtained.

Hence, there may be provided a master package comprising a plurality ofstacks, each stack comprising a first and a second connector, where thestacks are different.

FIGS. 5a to 5d illustrate some variants of connectors, that may be usedfor such embodiments. In these variants, a connector 11 a issymmetrically arranged in view of the longitudinal and transversal axesX, Y. A first connector structure 51 extends over the entire areaspanned by the connector 11 a, apart from over a band shaped areaextending along the transversal axis X, and which is occupied by asecond connector structure 52. From FIGS. 5a -5 d, it may be seen howthe location of the band-shaped area of the second connector structure52 varies between the variants of the figures, in that the distancebetween the band-shaped area of the second connector structure 52 andthe transversal axis X varies. The area comprising the second connectorstructure 52 may be described as “wandering” over the area of theconnector 11 a.

A plurality of stacks may be provided using the three variants of FIGS.5a-5c to form the first and the second connectors. Hence, a first stackmight include a first connector 11 a in accordance with FIG. 5 a, and asecond connector 11 b in accordance with FIG. 5 b. Then, a second stackmay be provided with a first connector 11 a in accordance with FIG. 5 c,and a second connector 11 b in accordance with FIG. 5 d.

In this case, the first and the second stack will always be connectableto each other, regardless of which connector meet, and regardless of theorientation of said connectors. However, if the first stack is to beconnected to another, identical first stack, there is a risk that noconnection will occur, should two identical connectors meet whenidentically orientated.

Optionally, a plurality of stacks may be provided using the variant ofFIG. 5a for the first and the second connector of a first stack, thevariant of FIG. 5b for the first and the second connector of a secondstack, etc. resulting in four different stacks (FIG. 5a-5d ). Hence, thefirst stack is interconnectable at least to the second stack, the secondstack to the third stack, and the third stack to the fourth stack. Thefourth stack may in turn be connectable to a new first stack.

If desired, a master package comprising a plurality of different stacksmay be provided, in which the different stacks are arranged in apredetermined order, such that two stacks being withdrawn in a sequencefrom the master package are always, or at least with a sufficientlikelihood, interconnectable regardless of the orientation of theconnectors.

In the embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 5a -5 d, the differentpatterns of the connectors are obtained varying a selected pattern in acontrolled manner. Such variations may result e.g. if using a continuousconnector material displaying a repeated pattern for forming theconnectors, and where the pattern repetition is not evenly divisiblewith the selected connector length. In this case, for each connector cutfrom the connector material, the pattern will “wander” a distancecorresponding to the mismatch between the pattern repetition length andthe connector length. Accordingly, different connectors may be providedfor application to a number of stacks. Still, a sufficient likelihood ofconnection between the stacks, even if no regard is taken to theorientation of the connectors, may be achieved when the patterns andvariations are suitably selected.

Other embodiments are possible where the connectors are provided withrandomly selected or varied patterns.

To provide the connectors 11 a, 11 b on the end surfaces 5, 6 of thestack, numerous alternatives are possible.

For example, the first connector structure 51 may be provided by a firstconnector material 51′, and the other connector structure is provided bya second connector material 52′.

FIGS. 6a to 6c illustrate variants of connectors, viewed in across-section along the axis Y.

FIG. 6a illustrates a variant wherein the second connector material 52′is attached to the first connector material 51′. The first connectormaterial 51′ may then be attached to the respective end surface 5, 6 ofthe stack.

Using this variant, a variant of a connector such as the one illustratedin FIGS. 3a or 3 b may be manufactured by attachment of intermittentpieces of second connector material 52′ onto a continuous piece of firstconnector material 51′.

In another variant, a first connector material 51′ may be provided as acontinuous piece of material. A second connector material 52′ may beprovided as a piece of material in which through holes are formed. Thesecond connector material 52′ may then be applied over the firstconnector material 51′, such that the first connector structures 51 ofthe first connector material 51′ is accessible via the through holes inthe second connector material 52′. The first connector material 51′ maythen be attached to the respective end surface of the stack.

For example, in accordance with the last mentioned variant, a continuouspiece of second connector material 52′, in which through holes are cutout, may be laminated over a continuous piece of first connectormaterial 51′, resulting in a continuous piece of of connector materialcomprising first mechanical connector structures 51 and secondmechanical connector structures 52, which may be used to form connectors11 a, 11 b. The first connector 51′ may in this case by a loop material,and the second connector material 52′ may be a hook material.

In the above-mentioned example, the through holes may be cut outrandomly, so as to provide different connectors displaying randomvariations.

Alternatively, the through holes may be cut out in a selected pattern. Aconnector material comprising a selected pattern may be used for formingidentical connectors (e.g. if the pattern repetition is evenly divisiblewith the length of the connector), or different connectors (e.g. if thepattern repetition is not evenly divisible with the length of theconnector).

FIG. 6b illustrates a variant wherein the connector 11 a comprises acarrier material 53, onto which said first and second connector material51′, 52′ is attached. The carrier material 53 is attachable to therespective end surface 5, 6 of the stack.

The variants exemplified by FIGS. 6a and 6b may be formed directly onthe end 5,6 of a stack, after manufacture thereof. However, a moreconvenient method may be to form a continuous band-shaped connectormaterial which is attached to the ends 5,6 of the stack.

FIG. 6c illustrates an embodiment of a connector, wherein the firstconnector structure 51 and the second connector structure 52 is providedby a single continuous connector material. Such a material may comprisea backing 55 from which the connectors structures 51, 52 extend.

In the examples of FIGS. 6a to 6 c, the connector is illustrated as aunitary connector, forming a continuous piece of material which may beattached to the end surface 5 of the stack. Naturally, other variants ofunitary connectors are conceivable.

However, a connector may also be formed by attachment of one or severalseparate material pieces of connector structure material intermittentlyarranged on the end surface of the stack. In this case, the connectormay be described as an intermittent connector.

As illustrated in FIG. 7 a, the connector 11 a may be arranged so as toextend over essentially the entire end surface 5. If the connector is aunitary connector, e.g. in accordance with the examples of FIGS. 6a to 6c, this means that the entire panel surface at end surface 5 will becovered by the connector 11 a. If the connector 11 a comprises severalseparate material pieces, the panel surface (the web material) at theend surface 5 may be visible between the separate material pieces ofconnector structure.

Alternatively, the connector may extend over only a portion of thelength L or width W of the end surface.

FIG. 7b illustrates an arrangement were the connector 11 a extends overonly a portion of the length L and over only a portion of the width W ofthe end surface 5. In this case, the connector 11 a is centrallyarranged in view of said width and length (and consequently in view ofsaid longitudinal and transverse axis X, Y).

FIG. 7c illustrates an arrangement where the connector 11 a extends overthe entire length L, but only over a portion of the width W of the endsurface 5. The connector 11 a is centrally arranged in view of of saidwidth and length (and consequently in view of said longitudinal andtransverse axis X, Y).

Central arrangement of the connector on the end surface may be used toensure that the connectors of two different stacks will meet in acontrolled manner. In this case, any desired asymmetry of the firstand/or second surface structure in relation to the longitudinal and/ortransversal axis is obtained by the arrangement of the surfacestructures in relation to the connector.

However, variants are conceivable wherein any desired asymmetry of thefirst and/or second surface structure in relation to the longitudinaland/or transversal axis is at least partly obtained by asymmetricalarrangement of the connector on the end surface of the stack.

The attachment of the connector 11 a to an end surface 5 of a stack maybe performed directly or indirectly. Advantageously, the attachment maybe an adhesive attachment, performed e.g. by gluing, or by the provisionof the connector as an adhesive sticker.

When the stack 1 comprises at least two webs 2, 3, e.g. as depicted inFIG. 2, the attachment of said connector 11 to the stack 1 maysimultaneously accomplish interconnection of the first and second webs2,3 at said connector 11.

Alternatively, the two webs 2,3 could be interconnected adjacent saidconnector 11 such that both webs 2,3 of the stack will be fed when theweb of the other, interconnected stack 1 is pulled. Interconnection ofthe first and second webs 2,3 at the connector 11 may be accomplished inmany different manners.

The first connector 11 a and second connector 11 b, may each have aheight of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm, most preferred 0.6mm. The height is to include the entire connector, including e.g.backing materials etc.

The shear force between the first connector and the second connector,when interconnected, reflects the strength of the interconnection. Thefirst and second connectors should be selected such that, whenconnected, the interconnection is able to resist the forces involvedwhen the web of the interconnected stacks is pulled, such as when theinterconnected web is drawn through a designated dispenser.

Moreover, if the web is provided with weakening lines, dividing the webinto individual sheets, it is preferred that the interconnection betweenthe first and second connectors is stronger than the force required torupture the web along the weakening lines. Accordingly, it is ensuredthat the web breaks at the weakening lines rather than at theinterconnection between the connectors.

It is understood, that the various examples of stacks includingconnectors may be combined with each other and/or with featuresdescribed in relation to any one of the examples.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a stack as described in relation toFIG. 1 being provided in a package for maintaining the integrity of thestack during transport and storage thereof. The package comprises awrapper extending over the height H of the stack, so as to maintain theintegrity of the stack during transport and storage thereof.

The term “wrapper” is to include various types of packages which mayhave different shapes, be made out of different materials etc. Manytypes of wrappers are known in the art. The wrapper may be made bypolymer materials or starch based materials. If desired, the wrapper maybe made by recyclable material. It is preferred that the wrapper isconfigured to be removable from the integrity of the stack.

As in the package illustrated in FIG. 8, the wrapper may be encirclingsaid stack. A wrapper encircling the stack may provide sufficientstability and protection for being the only packaging part of thecomplete package. In other words, the package may consist of the stackand the wrapper. In FIG. 8, the wrapper 14 extends over the bottom 5 andtop 6 surfaces, and the front 9 and back 10 surfaces of the stack. Thisis believed to provide good stability to the package, and may moreoverbe suitable from a manufacturing point of view.

In FIG. 8, the wrapper 14 extends over the complete bottom, top, frontand back 5, 6, 9, 10 surfaces of the stack 1. The end surfaces 7, 8 arenot covered by the wrapper 14. In other variants, the wrapper may benarrower, and extend only over a portion of the bottom, top, front andback surfaces 5, 6, 9, 10 of 20 the stack 1.

The wrapper may comprise an opening feature, in this case including agripper 15. Hence, the package may be opened by pulling the gripper 15such that the wrapper 14 opens and may be removed from the stack. Tothis end, a one hand grip and pull is all that is necessary to removethe wrapper from the stack.

The wrapper may be manually removed from the stack before introductionthereof into a storage space of a dispenser.

With certain dispensers, the wrapper might optionally be removed fromthe stack, when the stack is already present in a storage space of thedispenser.

If desired, the wrapper may be provided with a visual indicia indicatinga feeding direction for correct feeding of the package into a designateddispenser. Such an indicia may be useful in particular when the stackand its connectors are adapted so as to provide a higher likelihood ofinterconnection between a plurality of such stacks, when the pluralityof stacks are all positioned along a specific feeding direction.

However, when the connectors are selected so as to provide 100%likelihood of interconnection between stacks, regardless of theorientation of the stacks, the wrapper may be free from visual indiciaindicating such feeding directions.

The stacks proposed herein are particularly useful for dispensers havinga storage space being designed to store more than one stack. That is fordispensers intended to hold relatively large volumes of material.

In a dispenser, the web material may be contained in a storage space,from which the material is drawn via a web path to a dispensing outletof the dispenser. Advantageously, the storage space and path arearranged such that the web material is fed from the top of the stackcontained in the storage space.

For initial set-up of such a dispenser, a leading end of a first stackof web material must usually be threaded through the dispenser, alongthe web path, and to the dispensing outlet. After initial threading, theweb material may be drawn from the dispenser. It is desired to replenishthe dispenser with additional web material before the dispenser iscompletely empty. This is because the replenishment may then be made byinterconnecting new web material to the web material remaining in thestorage space. Hence, re-threading of the dispenser may be avoided.

FIG. 9 schematically shows an example of a dispenser 7 comprising astorage space for storage of web material in accordance with what isdescribed above. The dispenser 7 has an outer front wall 8, two outerside walls 9 and a housing 10. The housing 10 is intended for holding acompound stack of a continuous length of accordion-like folded web oftowels of tissue paper or nonwoven comprising stacks 12 of a continuouslength of accordion-like folded web of towels of tissue paper ornonwoven.

The stacks 12 comprise interconnections 13 between the stacks 12, whichinterconnections 13 may be formed by two interconnected connectors asdescribed in the above.

The dispenser 7 comprises a guiding unit 14 which comprises aweb-supporting roller surface 15. The at least one web 16 is arranged tobe fed over the web-supporting roller surface 15 when the dispenser 7 isin use.

The unit subsequent to the guiding element 14 is a separation unit 1.The separation unit 1 allows the web material 16 to be separated at adesired position.

The dispenser 7 illustrated in FIG. 9 comprises a compound stack ofinterfolded webs 16, whereby the dispenser 7 is configured so that apreceding stack of interfolded webs in the housing 10 has to be liftedto position a new, succeeding stack in the housing 10, underneath thepreceding stack, to refill the dispenser 7. Stacks of interfolded websin the dispenser 7 may be interconnected via interconnections 13, formedby the connectors of the stacks. The web 16 is arranged to be fedupwards within the housing 10, around the roller 15 located at the topof the dispenser 7 and downwards towards the separation unit 1 and tothe dispensing opening 17.

In view of the above disclosure explaining how to provide connectors forachieving different likelihoods of interconnection between stacks whenrandomly oriented, it will be understood that master packages may beform comprising a plurality of such stacks, intended to beinterconnected via their respective connectors.

By selecting suitable connectors, master packages may be achievedcomprising a plurality stacks wherein the average likelihood of tworandomly selected stacks, positioned in a random orientation with oneconnector from each stack meeting one connector from the other stack,becoming connected is greater than 50%.

Preferably, the average likelihood may be greater than 75%, or evengreater than 90%. Most preferred, the average likelihood may besubstantially 100%, in which case interconnection of ant two stacks outof the plurality of stacks is ensured, regardless of which stacks areselected, and regardless of their relative orientation (as long as theirrespective connectors do meet.)

In view of the above disclosure, many alternative variants of stackswhich arrangements are conceivable, which may be used to reduce the timeand/or effort required by an attendant to perform the refill of adispenser, including the interconnection of stacks.

Different patterns formed by the first and second connector structuresin order to provide suitable connectors may be designed, and suchpatterns may be combined in different manners. Although several of thepatterns given in the illustrated examples display continuousrectangular areas comprising the first or the second connectorstructures, patterns may naturally be formed by other intermittent orcontinuous areas, having any desired shape, e.g. circular.

1. A connector material comprising a first mechanical connector structure and a second mechanical connector structure, said first and second mechanical connector structures being two corresponding structures, each structure being capable of forming a mechanical interconnection with said other structure, and being incapable of forming a mechanical interconnection with an identical structure, said first and second connector structures being arranged in a selected pattern, wherein the connector material displays a repeated pattern for forming individual connectors, each having a length and a width, a longitudinal central axis (x) being defined along said length and a transversal central axis (y) is defined along said width of each individual connector, said pattern formed by said first and second connector structures is such that at least one portion of said first structure, located on one side of said longitudinal central axis (X) and on one side of said transversal central axis (Y), mirrors a portion of said second structure on said other side of said longitudinal central axis (X) and another portion of said second structure on said other side of said transversal 20 central axis (Y).
 2. A connector material in accordance with claim 1, wherein one of said first and second connector structures comprises hooks, and the other of the first and the second connector structures comprises loops.
 3. A connector material in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first connector structure is provided by a first connector material and said second connector structure is provided by a second connector material.
 4. A connector material in accordance with claim 3, wherein said second connector material is attached to said first connector material.
 5. A connector material according to claim 4, wherein said connector material 54 comprises a first connector material onto which intermittent pieces of second connector material are attached.
 6. A connector material according to claim 4, wherein said connector material comprises a first connector material onto which is attached a second connector material in which through holes are formed, such that the first connector structures of the first connector material is accessible via the through holes in the second connector material.
 7. A connector material in accordance with claim 3, comprising a carrier material, onto which said first and/or second connector material is attached.
 8. A connector material in accordance with claim 1, being a single connector material comprising a backing from which the connector structures extend.
 9. A connector material in accordance with claim 1, wherein said connector material is band-shaped.
 10. A connector material in accordance with claim 1, wherein said connector material is continuous.
 11. A connector material in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connector material displays a repeated pattern for forming individual connectors.
 12. A connector material in accordance with claim 1, wherein said length is a length with which the pattern repetition is evenly divisible.
 13. A connector material in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pattern formed by said first and second connector structures is such that all portions of said first structure on one side of said longitudinal central axis (X) mirrors a portion of said second structure on said other side of said longitudinal central axis (X).
 14. A connector material in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pattern formed by said first and second connector structures is such that all portions of said first structure on one side of said transversal central axis (Y) mirrors a portion of said second structure on the other side of said transversal central axis (Y).
 15. A connector material in accordance with claim 1, wherein only one out of said first and second connector structures is located on one side of said longitudinal central axis (X).
 16. A connector material in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connector material is in the form of an adhesive sticker.
 17. Method for manufacturing a connector material in accordance with claim 1, comprising attaching a second connector material onto a first connector material.
 18. Method in accordance with claim 17, comprising attaching intermittent pieces of said second connector material to said first connector material.
 19. Method in accordance with claim 17, comprising attaching a piece of second connector material in which through holes are formed onto said first connector material.
 20. Method in accordance with claim 17, wherein said connector material is a continuous connector material, and said method comprises attaching a second connector material onto a first continuous connector material.
 21. Method for manufacturing individual connectors from a connector material in accordance with claim 1, comprising cutting said connector material to form said individual connectors.
 22. Method in accordance with claim 21, wherein said cutting is performed so as to form individual connectors having a length by which a pattern repetition of said pattern is evenly divisible.
 23. Method in accordance with claim 21, wherein said cutting is performed so as to form individual connectors having a length by which a pattern repetition of said pattern is not evenly divisible.
 24. An individual connector having a length and a width, and a longitudinal central axis (X) extending in parallel to the length, and a transversal central axis (Y) extending in parallel to the width, said connector comprising a first mechanical connector structure and a second mechanical connector structure, said first and second mechanical connector structures being two corresponding structures, each structure being capable of forming a mechanical interconnection with said other structure, and being incapable of forming a mechanical interconnection with an identical structure, said first and second connector structures being arranged in a selected pattern, said pattern being such that at least one portion of the first structure mirrors a portion of the second structure over said longitudinal central axis (X), and a portion of the second structure over said transversal central axis (Y). 